Weekly LEED roundup – 3/20/09

The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Certification program is the ultimate green building standard in the United States and even abroad. The program is so popular projects are receiving certification on a daily basis. I am going to start a new, weekly LEED roundup that highlights some of my favorite newly certified projects.

Barton Group Headquarters – New YorkThe headquarters of the Barton Group was built in 1865 but the building has now joined the ranks of the nation’s most elite green buildings. In a massive renovation project, the Barton Group was able to achieve LEED Platinum certification for the project. Although the initial press release was published in February, news about this building exploded in the eco-blogosphere this week.

“Improvements to the 16,000 square foot facility include a panelized green roof; a geothermal heating and cooling system; energy‐efficient windows; a raised floor system to allow for air distribution and electrical and network cabling; and a rainwater collection system. LEED Platinum designation was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community.” Source: Barton Group (PDF)

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Headquarters – Washington, DCThe newly constructed, 422,000 square foot General Services Administration building in Washington, DC is the home of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) received LEED Silver certification. This is not the first certification for the GSA; the organization has a mandate that all newly constructed buildings that are 10,000+ square feet must obtain a minimum of LEED Silver certification. Visit the GSA website for a partial list of LEED Certified GSA Buildings.

These are just two of the dozens of projects that either recently received LEED certification or joined the USGBC’s LEED Registered Projects list. Do you know of an interesting and newly certified LEED project in your area? If so, I would love to hear about it – leave a comment below.

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